CSR (Women's Basketball Falls To Hope in MIAA Tournament Championship Game)

CALVIN SPORTS REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 24, 2007 (Part One)

Women's Hoops Falls to Hope in MIAA Tournament Championship Game

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Hope 71, Calvin 68
(Written by Drew DeVries '08)

Calvin suffered its first defeat since December 1 ending its 22 game win streak
falling to the visiting Flying Dutch of Hope 71-68 Saturday afternoon in the
MIAA tournament championship game. Hope was able to overpower the Knights
despite strong performances from sophomore Marcia Harris (Grand Rapids/Grand
Rapids Christian) and senior Lisa Winkle (Grand Rapids/South Christian) who
each scored 23 points.

Calvin (25-2) will now await an at-large bid for the NCAA tournament while Hope
(24-3) is the automatic qualifier.

"We've had a really good season and we have a quality program," said Coach
Ross. "So we hope to get into the [NCAA] tournament."

Throughout the game, Calvin was plagued with turnovers including turning the
ball over on its first two possessions leading to an early 4-0 Hope lead. The
Knights led briefly 8-6 before the Flying Dutch rattled off a 17-3 run and led
23-11 with just over eleven minutes to play in the half. So the Knights looked
to Winkle who was reponsible for seven of Calvin's first eleven points.

Again, Hope had an 12 point lead, 29-17, but this time Calvin was able to
create a run of its own. The Knights went on an 8-0 run but soon fell behind
by ten again. It seemed Hope was able to counter attack every Calvin run with
a run of its own and at halftime, Hope's stellar defensive effort had
frustrated the Knights into a 41-31 halftime defecit.

The second half opened with each team continuing to trade baskets before Winkle
took the ball the length of the court while finishing and picking up the foul.
Within six points, the Knights looked to have gotten right back into the game.
After Kelly Trewhella (Rockford/Rockford) hit the first triple of the game for
the Knights, Hope's lead was down to 56-51. Rachael Willet (Rockford/Rockford)
then hit another triple and two free throws later, the game was tied at 58 with
over seven minutes to play.

But the Knights found themselves battling from behind on each possession down
the stretch. Winkle tied the game at 62 with three minutes remaining but Hope
built a couple three point leads in the final minutes. With 16 seconds left,
Hope led 69-66 and after a Calvin turnover, had sealed the victory. Two more
free throws by Hope and a last second lay-up by Calvin put the score at 71-68.

Hope had four players in double figures led by Jordyn Boles who had 17 points.

Although Calvin's 25 turnovers led to 28 points for Hope, Coach Ross was
pleased to see his team fight back and finish strong. "I was really happy how
we were able to battle and get back in the game," said Ross. "We played great
defensively both halves."

As Calvin waits its at-large bid, Ross hopes his team can build its confidence
once again. "We're hoping to make a good run in the [NCAA] tournament and
hopefully the depth of our team will come through for us."

Jeff Febus
Sports Information Director
Calvin College
(616) 526-6169 Office
(616) 526-8551 Fax
Received on Sat Feb 24 19:08:26 2007